Largest Ever IMEX America Kicks Off in Las Vegas

October 16, 2018

Today is opening day for IMEX America 2018, the country’s worldwide exhibition for incentive travel, meetings and events. Held annually at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas, IMEX America runs Oct. 16-18.

Smart Monday, the MPI-powered free educational day immediately prior to the main IMEX activities, broke attendance records yesterday, and keeping in line with the industry predictions for an event size increase, IMEX America’s showfloor will be its largest yet with more than 3,500 exhibitors representing 150 countries. 

Twenty-eight percent of returning exhibitors opted for larger booths this year and more than 60 new exhibitors, including Meet New York, Malta Tourism Authority, Morocco National Tourist Office, Nobu Hotels, River City Venues at Mardi Gras World, Visit Dallas and Pacifica Hotels, are joining the show’s bustling expo, according to IMEX officials.

“As we head into our 8thIMEX America, we’re excited by the growth in the show and the way that the industry continues to make IMEX America such a key part of their year,” said Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group.  

She continued, “We’re looking forward to an exceptionally busy and productive week with a record number of exhibitors and buyers due to be here doing business, networking and fundraising for the major industry foundations.”  

Business and brokering business connections remains the primary focus of IMEX. Buyers will find a wide variety of destinations, venues, hotels, technology specialists and service suppliers, and a large number have pre-scheduled, one-on-one meetings through the IMEX meetings tool. 

For those seeking educational content, the Inspiration Hub, sponsored by Maritz Global Events, will offer more than 200 breakout sessions throughout the duration of the event. The 10-track education program includes a wide range of topics designed to appeal to every level of experience and interest, including security, sustainability, creativity, innovation and technology.

Live and experiential event design will also be a primary focus of the show. The Live Zone, supported by Michael Cerbelli’s Hot List, will include such diverse entertainment as giant puppets, a VR zipline, digital caricatures and living walls. 

C2 International’s Cloud Lab will help participants navigate uncertainty by finding ways to deal with chaos in both professional and personal environments. There will also be the chance to “test-drive” some of the latest ground-breaking ideas in event technology at the new Tech Zone.

In the Be Well Lounge, IMEX America will offer meditation sessions to help everyone unwind, but the physical health of attendees certainly won’t be neglected. The new Caesars Forum Walking Challenge by Heka Health encourages attendees to track their steps to see who walks the most each day, while the Wednesday morning 5k IMEXrun is a guaranteed way to boost one’s energy before the busy show day starts. 

Co-sponsored events throughout the week, including MPI Foundation Rendezvous, the EIC Hall of Leaders and Pacesetter Awards, will bring hundreds of people together to raise money for causes that benefit the industry.

With IMEX, Las Vegas continues to uphold its reputation as one of the top meeting and event destinations worldwide, Bauer said.    

“Yet again, our partners here in Las Vegas have welcomed IMEX America and the industry with open arms and hearts, and we couldn’t be more grateful for their support,” she added.

 

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Partner Voices
Dallas already boasts 35,000 hotel rooms, award-winning global cuisine, and a walkable downtown. But we are just getting started. Visit Dallas is thrilled to announce that the city of Dallas is doubling down with a massive new convention center and entertainment district. Featuring 800,000 square feet of exhibit area, 260,000 square feet of meeting rooms, and 170,000 square feet of ballroom. The center will connect business travelers with dining and shopping options in the popular Cedars District means more places to get down to business, and even more ways to unwind. “Dallas is already a great meetings and conventions destination, with the accessibility of two major airports, affordable labor, and an outstanding hotel product,” said D. Bradley Kent, Visit Dallas senior vice president and chief sales officer. “The new center and Convention Center District will enhance Dallas’ competitive position and are exactly what our customers’ need and have been asking for." What’s New – AT&T Discovery District Located in the heart of Downtown Dallas, this new district on the AT&T corporate campus is tailor-made for groups of all sizes. It boasts a multi-sensory experience, including outdoor event space, the AT&T Theater, and multiple dining outlets including JAXON Beer Garden and The Exchange, a bustling food hall. Hotels Coming Soon Names like the JW Marriott (Downtown), lnterContinental Dallas (Uptown), and Hotel Swexan (Uptown) are adding luxury amenities and bountiful event spaces. The projects will debut in 2023 and beyond. JW Marriott This new, 15-story, 283-room hotel will open in the heart of the city’s downtown Arts District this year. The property features a 25,000-square-foot grand ballroom, as well as a spa, restaurant, lobby bar, fitness center, and a rooftop pool deck and bar. InterContinental Dallas  Located in Cityplace Tower in Uptown, InterContinental Dallas will feature sweeping panoramic views of the Dallas skyline. Guests will enjoy spacious, high-end rooms and amenities, including more than 21,000 square feet of event space.   Hotel Swexan Hotel Swexan, a new, 22-story luxury property, is rising in Uptown’s Harwood District and will make its mark on the Dallas skyline. Opening this year, it is a sculptural building with cantilevered upper floors, as well as a 75-foot rooftop infinity-edge swimming pool and a hidden underground lounge.